Greetings from Kaunas, Lithuania, and one of its many weaving mills! I have been doing my practical training for textile engineering studies here since May. Kaunas has plenty of textile mills – something that has disappeared from Finland pretty much already. Unlike in the excursion companies back in Finland, many of my colleagues here are female. They dress up beautifully even during the working days in the factory, unlike in Finland, where safety at all levels is the top priority.
Kaunas has excellent cycling roads, so I’m happy to cycle to my work and in my free time as well. In the middle of the city, there is a big Zalgiris arena for events and sports, basketball and swimming in particular. If you wish to swim, don’t forget to bring your flipflops and swimming cap! The other side of the pool is kind of a spa, so there are plenty of jacuzzis and saunas in there too.
In general, life in Lithuania is much like in Finland. However, one thing keeps surprising me, and that are the overwhelming cake counters of the supermarkets. This can be noted at work as well because we have been enjoying afternoon cake almost every week, sometimes even twice. There seems to be no reason that you couldn’t celebrate with a piece of cake, and a huge bouquet of flowers.
Who said one has to visit France for delicious desserts and the air of seizing the day, I think the Baltics know their business with making the everyday more enjoyable! Your postcard reminded me a lot of my exchange period in Russia back in the day – they, too, sported massive counters of endless cakes, and the ladies always dressed their best to work regardless of whether it was out in the coldest winter with no-one to see. Sounds like you had quite the interesting time in Lithuania 🙂
Suvi Ahtikari
15.9.2024 18:06